Hey can you help me with a problem?

The value of Maggie's car decreased by 25% since last year, when she bought it. If the car is now worth $16,000.00, how much was the car worth when she bought it?

A.) 22,857.14
B.) 20,000.00
C.) 21,333.33
D.) 14,400.00

Question

Hey can you help me with a problem?

The value of Maggie's car decreased by 25% since last year, when she bought it. If the car is now worth $16,000.00, how much was the car worth when she bought it?

A.) 22,857.14
B.) 20,000.00
C.) 21,333.33
D.) 14,400.00

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

Let x be the original value of the car

hero · Answer

x = original value of the car

x - .25x = 16,000

(1 - .25)x = 16,000

Solve for x

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

If it decreased by 25%, then you're subtracting 25% of the original value x from the original value, ie

x - 25% of x

x - 0.25x

and this is equal to 16,000, so

x - 0.25x = 16000

solve for x to get your answer